 |
| Laura Motes |
Long time runner and marathon participant Laura Motes has learned exactly how and when to eat before she runs a marathon. With many 5k runs under her belt, Motes has learned the hard way, and wants others to avoid common nutritional mistakes. According to Laura, the trick to avoiding stomach issues during a run is to start your race feeling satiated, but not full.
To do this, she says you should eat a large snack or a light meal roughly two hours before starting the race. Eating too much before a run will leave the runner uncomfortable. This can also lead to cramping, intestinal distress, nausea, and the need to use the restroom in the middle of your race. Alternatively, eating too little before a race will leave your body low on fuel. You will need that fuel to keep your muscles going during a 5k.
What you eat before a race or marathon will depend upon your pre-existing digestive status. People with known digestive issues will have other considerations, and should consult their doctor before choosing a pre-run meal. For those who have little to no digestive worries, their food choices will be pretty standard.
Laura Motes says to choose foods that are high in carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and rices. These foods should be accompanied by a small amount of protein and as little fat as possible. This combination will give your body the proper amount of fuel to keep you going through the run or race.
